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Episode Summary:

Host Jon Adams opens the show with personal reflections on a lack of empathy after witnessing a discussion about the catastrophic Category 5 hurricane hitting Jamaica. He notes the extreme poverty of the island's residents, with many living in corrugated tin shacks, and worries about the "human condition" and a loss of compassion in America. He cites overhearing conversations that focused solely on canceled trips and Airbnb charges rather than the suffering of the Jamaican people.  

The show shifts to local Fargo issues, including the debate over the city's Engagement Center, which is being moved at a high cost, and the host's belief that political "sniping" on the local level mirrors national divisiveness. He also criticizes Congress for letting the government shutdown affect 42 million Americans' SNAP benefits, arguing that politicians are using people's lives as a bargaining chip. He notes that local food shelters are not equipped to handle such a large need for assistance.  

The main segment is a positive focus on local amateur athletics, introducing the world of Fargo boxing. Adams interviews Jesse Barbeau, owner of Barbeau Boxing, which he started in 2010. Barbeau discusses the gym's focus on building self-esteem and confidence for young people, noting that predators target those who lack confidence. He announces an upcoming show this Saturday, October 28th, at the Ramada (formerly the Doublewood) with fighters like Sydney Gorder (a former National Silver Gloves champion) and Johnson "JJ" Jones (Upper Midwest Golden Gloves novice title winner) competing for MNDAC titles. He notes that the Fraternal Order of Police is their biggest sponsor.  

Standout Moments:

• 0:01:46 - The host expresses deep concern and empathy for the people of Jamaica as a Cat 5 hurricane passes through, noting their extreme poverty.  

• 0:02:44 - Host recounts witnessing American callousness, where people at a restaurant discussed a cancelled trip and a friend being charged to overstay an Airbnb in Jamaica, with no mention of the human tragedy.  

• 0:04:10 - Host criticizes Congress for letting 42 million Americans be affected by the government shutdown, specifically losing SNAP benefits (food assistance).  

• 0:07:07 - Jesse Barbeau shares his background in boxing, including his injury, and the history of Barbeau Boxing in Fargo.  

• 0:08:26 - Barbeau notes that the Fraternal Order of Police is their biggest sponsor.  

• 0:08:52 - Barbeau explains that the confidence gained from boxing helps kids avoid conflict, as "predators can see somebody who's confident".  

• 0:09:50 - Barbeau describes his gym as a diverse "team sport" environment where an ex-felon might work out alongside a policeman.  

• 0:03:04 - Developing news: China is expected to resume soybean purchases, a positive for farmers.  

Tonight Big Game James McCarty and Jace Denman are joined by head coach Brett Skinner for their weekly Fargo Force coaches conversation. They discuss the teams powerplay, penalty kill, and give an update on the goaltenders performances through October.

The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday October 29th, 2025.  Guests include Perry Miller and your calls and emails.

Bonnie & Friends from October 29th!

Join Bonnie Amistadi and guests every weekday from 5 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on AM 970 WDAY for local news, weather, and conversation done right.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, or Google Podcasts.

The Coffee Club from October 29th, 2025.  Guests include Jen Pickett, Mary Aldrich, Amanda Glasoe and Sheriff Jesse Jahner.

Concordia Cobbers Football head coach Terry Horan and Moorhead Spuds Football head coach Kevin Feeney join host Greg Burd for the 2025 Coaches Corner Podcast! This week they discuss what a win after a loss means to a team... Plus, creating turnovers, defensive leadership, who are those leaders on each team and how you get ready for two big games: Bethel at Cobbers + Spuds at Woodbury.

Sponsors:

Third Drop Coffee

Brady’s Service

Camrud Foss Concrete

The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday October 28th, 2025.  Guests include US Senator from N.D. Kevin Cramer, N.D. Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Fargo City Comm. Dave Piepkorn.

In this episode of Chamber Link, Executive Vice President Katherine Grindberg sits down with three leaders who are passionate about a business model that's revolutionizing success: employee ownership. Join Tammy Miller (former CEO of Border States Electric and former North Dakota Lieutenant Governor), Shane Waslaski (CEO of Vistal/Moore Engineering), and Dan Martinson (Fargo Glass and Paint Company) as they demystify Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs).

Learn what an ESOP is, how it functions as a legal trust to build employee wealth through company stock and contributions, and the impressive growth some ESOPs have experienced. The guests share how ESOPs drive tremendous alignment, foster a long-term strategic view, and significantly boost employee attraction and retention.

Dan Martinson offers a firsthand account of Fargo Glass and Paint Company's transition to a 100% ESOP in 2019, including the challenges and the ultimately stronger, owner-driven company that emerged. The conversation also tackles barriers to adoption, such as a lack of awareness and perceived complexity, and offers clear first steps for companies considering an ESOP as a succession plan.

Finally, the discussion explores the future of ESOPs, their role in keeping businesses local and American-owned, and their positive impact on community giving and volunteerism. The panelists provide valuable resources for those looking to learn more about this powerful model of generational wealth creation and business stability.

Bonnie & Friends from October 28th!

Join Bonnie Amistadi and guests every weekday from 5 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on AM 970 WDAY for local news, weather, and conversation done right.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, or Google Podcasts.

The Coffee Club from Tuesday October 28th, 2025.  Guests include Troy Matthern and Sue Baron.